Fourth of July 2007 in eastern Massachusetts

Thursday

Jun 28, 2007 at 12:01 AMJun 28, 2007 at 11:24 PM

A listing of events

Ongoing
DANVERS FAMILY FESTIVAL: For the 28th year, enjoy activities and shows over 18 days, from June 22 through July 4, from a dog show, road race, concerts and a parade to a fireworks display on July 3. For information, visit www.danversfamilyfestival.com.
BOSTON HARBORFEST: The annual summertime celebration in Boston will take place from June 28-July 4. Events at City Hall Plaza will include noontime concerts on June 29 and 30 and July 4, Party on the Plaza June 30, the annual Chowderfest on July 1 and the annual Children’s Day on July 2. For information on these and other events, visit www.bostonharborfest.com or call 617-227-1528.
BROCKTON FAIR: The Brockton Fair, off Route 123, returns for its 133rd year from June 28-July 8. Please join us for another year of lively and exciting entertainment for all ages! In addition to our midway full of rides, other featured entertainment includes a surprise filled magic show, exciting demolition derby, and fireworks displays. For information, visit www.brocktonfair.com.
FUN ON THE FOURTH IN WILMINGTON: The Wilmington Fourth of July Committee will sponsor the 27th annual celebration at the Common. From June 28 through July 4, enjoy activities from dinners and a carnival to a hospital bed race and fireworks on June 30 and July 2. For information, call 978-657-8081 or visit www.funonthefourth.com.
CELEBRATION IN FRANKLIN: The town’s 25th annual celebration and parade will be held from June 29 through July 4 at the common, including booths, rides, concerts, exhibits, the parade on July 1 and fireworks on July 3. For information, visit the July 4th page at www.franklin.ma.us.
LEXINGTON LIONS CLUB CARNIVAL: The annual event at Center Playground will be held July 4 from 1-11 p.m., July 5 and 6 from 6-11 p.m., July 7 from 1-11 p.m., and July 8 from 1-7 p.m. Youth Games will take place on July 4 at 10 a.m. Ride discounts will be available, as well as food and entertainment. There will be no fireworks this year. For information, visit www.lexingtonlions.clubwizard.com.

Thursday, June 28
FAMILY NIGHT IN NATICK: The annual Family Night celebration will take place from 4-8 p.m. on the Common, corner of routes 27 and 135. Children’s Parade at 6 p.m. (bring your bike to Family Night - there will be a special supervised area to leave your bike until the children’s parade); three moonwalks; dunk tank; the Summer Street Band; bookmobile; JoAnimal; Davey the Clown; food; raffles; and more. Rain date Tuesday, July 3, from 4-8 p.m.
SUMMERTIME IN SOMERVILLE: The city will hold a fireworks display and patriotic performances from the Sunsetters and the USO Metropolitan New York Performers. The celebrations are set to begin at 6:30 p.m. with musical entertainment. As a grand finale to the evening’s performances, fireworks are scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. A rain date has been scheduled for Saturday, July 7.

Friday, June 29
FREE COOKOUT IN NATICK: Middlesex Savings Bank will sponsor its annual free cookout from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the bank’s parking lot, 6 Main St. Hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, drinks and more.
CELEBRATION IN DEVENS: Music, food and fireworks will be part of Devens’ annual Independence Day celebration. Rain date will be June 30. For information, contact Jane Witherow at Devens Recreation Department, 978-772-8875 or e-mail jwitherow@massdevelopment.com, or visit the Web site at www.devenscommunity.com.
FULL MOON TOUR IN WALTHAM: At Gore Place, the historic Governor Gore estate in Waltham, a special evening tour will be presented. During this event, visitors join a guide, dressed in period costume, for a tour of the 1806 mansion. The tour tells stories of the Gores’ gracious lifestyle, the work of the many servants, the politics of the time and the advanced technologies introduced by the Gores. The theme for the tour is “Independence Day.” The doors open at 6:30 p.m. The tour begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $12, $8 children. WGBH and AAA discounts available. Gore Place is at 52 Gore St., just off Route 20 (Main Street) near the Waltham/Watertown line. By public transportation: Take the Red Line to Central Square. Take the 70 or 70A bus toward Waltham. Gore Street is 1-1/4 miles west of Watertown Square. For more information about Full Moon Tours, or to reserve tickets, contact program director Thom Roach at 781-894-2798, ext. 12, or visit the museum’s Web site at: http:// www.goreplace.org/full-moon-tours.htm.

Saturday, June 30
CELEBRATION IN BRAINTREE: From noon-4 p.m. at the high school field, there will be an all-day flea market, a Touch-a-Truck event, amusement rides, entertainment and more; fireworks will be set off at dusk.
FIREWORKS IN WEYMOUTH: The annual celebration and fireworks will be held at the George Lane Beach. The fireworks will be set off around dusk.
FAMILY FUN DAY IN SOMERVILLE: Trum Field will be covered with rides and events just for kids. Scheduled to run from noon-5 p.m., the day’s family-oriented activities include face painting, softball games, barbecue, a DJ to provide music, and for younger patrons, a moonwalk, obstacle course and giant slide. A rain date for Family Fun Day has been scheduled for July 8.

Sunday, July 1
FIREWORKS IN HINGHAM: The fireworks sponsored by the Hingham Lions Club will take place at the Hingham Bathing Beach around 9 p.m. Rain date is July 2.
EVENTS IN NATICK: The Natick Recreation and Parks Department will sponsor its annual mini-triathlon at Memorial Beach, off West Street, beginning at 9:30 a.m. For information, call 508-647-6530 or visit www.natickma.gov. At 2 p.m., head over to the Morse Institute Library for a Patriotic Hootenanny. Join Harriet Buckingham, pianist, and other members of the Natick community for an old-fashioned sing-along of patriotic songs. Wear your red, white and blue. The program is free and open to the public. For information, call 508-647-6520.
FIREWORKS IN ORLEANS: Fireworks will be set off at dusk over Rock Harbor. Rain date July 2. Call 508-240-2484 for information.
STRAWBERRIES IN SWAMPSCOTT: There will be a Strawberry Festival on the lawn of Town Hall, 22 Monument Ave., at 4 p.m.

Monday, July 2
CONCERT IN NATICK: The Concert on the Common, featuring the Gary Bernath Band, will be performed at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Sponsored by the Natick Recreation and Parks Department.

Tuesday, July 3
CARNIVAL IN CANTON: The annual July 4 celebration will take place at Canton High School, featuring a giant midway with concessions, band concerts, a petting zoo and fireworks on July 4. Sponsored by the Canton Recreation Department. Call 781-821-5030 for information.
EVENTS IN GLOUCESTER: The annual Horribles Parade will step off at 6 p.m., with a grand fireworks display over Gloucester Harbor slated for 10 p.m.
FIREWORKS IN LYNN: The city’s annual fireworks display will take place at 9 p.m. at Red Rock.
FIREWORKS IN NEEDHAM: Arrive early to get a good spot at Memorial Park and enjoy picnic fair at our BBQ cookout while listening to the Maple Street Project, a hometown folk and blues band starting at 5p.m. The Reminisants, “Boston’s Best Oldies Band,” will entertain you from 7 p.m. up until the fireworks. Pony rides, facepainting and other activities are provided free of charge to children. Sponsored by the Needham Exchange Club.
EVENTS IN SHARON: The Sharon Independence Day Celebration Committee will sponsor the following events: Family fun beach events, 2 p.m., Memorial Park Beach, Lake Massapoag; events will include potato sack races, tug-o-war and other wacky relays; bicycle and doll carriage parade, line up at Beech Tree Park at 3:45 p.m., parade begins at 4 p.m. from Beach Street to the bandstand; lakeside celebration, Memorial Park Beach, 4-9:30 p.m. Music, food concession tables and more. Bandstand concert from 7-9 p.m., followed by fireworks over Lake Massapoag at 9:30 p.m.
FIREWORKS ON SWAMPSCOTT: The display will be set off at King’s Beach at dusk.
PARADE, FIREWORKS IN WALPOLE: The Fire Truck parade begins at 6 p.m., and starts on Washington Street by the old clock tower, and winds its way all the way to Walpole Center, onto Common Street and ending on School Street. Fireworks will go off at 9 p.m. at the field behind the police station.
CELEBRATION IN WORCESTER: From 6-10 p.m. at East Park, Shrewsbury Street. Free and open to the public. The city’s annual Independence Day celebration will be held at Christoforo Columbo Park on Shrewsbury Street. From 6-8 p.m., enjoy face painting for the kids, and a variety of other hands-on children’s activities and games in the tennis court area. To be followed by Bank of America’s Summer Concert Series featuring the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display presented by Fallon Community Health Plan at 9:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase in the park. (Rain date July 5). For information, e-mail culture@ci.worcester.ma.us.

Wednesday, July 4
EVENTS IN ACTON: The town will present its annual celebration at NARA Park, featuring the Help Wanted Band at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at about 9:30 p.m. This is free and open to the public; donations will be gratefully accepted. Rain date will be July 7.
EVENTS IN AMESBURY: Start off your Amesbury Days with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at Town Park on Friend Street. From noon-5 p.m., there will be an auction and a Picnic in the Pines, also at Town Park. At 5:30 p.m. at Woodsom Farm, there will be a 1950s-60s reunion concert, followed by fireworks at 9:15 p.m., also at the farm.
MUSIC, FIREWORKS IN BELLINGHAM: The town will be hosting its 10th Fourth of July Celebration at the High School football field. A concert with the “A List,” featuring former Tavares drummer Jackie Santos, will start at 7 p.m., with a spectacular fireworks show to follow at 9:30. There is plenty of parking at the school, and guests are encouraged to arrive prior to 8 p.m., as streets will be closing once all available parking is filled. There is no on-street parking allowed. Outback Steakhouse will be cooking the burgers and chicken, with all proceeds going to the high school band.
EVENTS IN BEVERLY FARMS: The annual celebration for Beverly Farms/Prides Crossing will take place today: 8 a.m., Horribles Parade; 10:30 a.m., Old Timers Softball Game, Dix Park; 2 p.m., races and games, West Beach; 5 p.m., music entertainment, West Beach; 8:45 p.m., shoreline illumination, West Beach; 9 p.m., aerial fireworks, West Beach. Raindate for parade and fireworks, July 5.
COMMEMORATION IN BOSTON: Begins at City Hall Plaza. 9 a.m., flag raising; 9:15 a.m. parade begins; 9:30 a.m., Halt for Honor, Old Granary Burial Ground; 9:45 a.m., reading of the Declaration of Independence, Old State House; 10 a.m., parade resumes, Congress Street; 10:30 a.m., Independence Day Oration, Faneuil Hall. Sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism & Special Events; call 617-635-3911 for information.
PARADE IN BOURNE: The Professional Firefighters of Bourne will sponsor the annual Independence Day parade at 10 a.m. Call 508-564-6345 for more information.
FAMILY FUN IN CAMBRIDGE: Come celebrate the Fourth of July with races, bike and doll carriage parade, ribbons, prizes and T-shirts at the following sites. Donnelly Field and Glacken Field. Events begin at 9:45 a.m. Please call the Willis Moore Youth Center for a Fourth of July Special Event at Hoyt Field at 617-349-6273.
CARNIVAL IN CANTON: The annual July 4 celebration will take place at Canton High School, featuring a giant midway with concessions, band concerts, a petting zoo and fireworks on July 4. Sponsored by the Canton Recreation Department. Call 781-821-5030 for information.
PARADE IN CHATHAM: The annual parade will start at 9:30 a.m. from Shore Road, to Main Street to the Rotary. For information, call 508-945-5199.
PICNIC IN CONCORD: The town’s annual Picnic in the Park will be held from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at Emerson Playground. Field games, face painting, bicycle and doll parades, foods and more will be offered, as well as the annual Minuteman Classic 5-Mile Run, which begins at 9 a.m. at Emerson Playground. The 1-Mile Youth Fun Run will begin at 8:30 a.m. Contact the Concord Recreation Department at 978-318-3035 for details.
COSTUME PARADE IN FAIRHAVEN: Beginning at 9:30 a.m., Green Street from Cushman Park to Fort Phoenix. Costume parade, which also includes vintage vehicles, military groups and more. At Fort Phoenix, there is a brief ceremony followed by a gun salute by costumed historical re-enactors and the firing of the fort’s five Civil War-era cannon. Free. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Office of Tourism.
EVENTS IN FALMOUTH: The annual parade begins at 11 a.m., and will leave from Village Green and continue along Main Street to the library/Peg Noonan Park. Adults and dogs are welcome, too. At dusk, the fireworks will be set off from Falmouth Heights Beach. For information, call 508-548-8500.
ROAD RACE IN HARVARD: The Great Harvard Fourth of July Race” will begin at 8:45 a.m. with the 5-mile race; the fun run for kids will begin at 9:45 a.m. Registration for the 5-miler is $15 and $5 for the fun run. Free T-shirts for the 5-miler; $8 T-shirts for the fun run. The race will start at Bromfield High School in Harvard. Registrations can be made at www.harvardraces.org or from 7:30-8:30 a.m. the day of the race.
EVENTS IN HINGHAM: 7 a.m. - Hingham Recreation Commission Road Race; 7-9:45 a.m. or until the pancakes run out - Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at Hingham Common, Middle and Main streets; 9 a.m. - Open House at the Old Ship Meeting House, 90 Main St; 10 a.m. - parade with the theme “Preserve the Tradition.” Starts at Hingham High School on Pleasant Street and ends at Station Street.
PARADE IN HULL: The 17th annual Neighborhood Fourth of July parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Hampton Circle playground. Larry Robicheau of Moreland Avenue is this year’s parade marshal. Participants are requested to wear red, white and blue, if possible, and bring flags. For more details, call 781 925-5142.
EVENTS IN HYANNIS: The annual parade will begin at 4 p.m. at Ocean Street and will head to Main Street and Sea Street. The fireworks will be on July 6 (rain date July 7) at dusk over the harbor area.
MUSIC, FIREWORKS IN IPSWICH: At Castle Hill, the Crane Estate, Argilla Road, from 4-10 p.m., celebrate with music, fun, and fireworks for all ages. Children’s activities include Kid’s Fest, the Boston Children’s Theatre and Benjamin the Juggler. The Riverboat Stompers and Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra will perform, leading up to spectacular fireworks over the ocean! Fees - Members of Trustees of Reservations, Adult $15, Child $10. Nonmembers: Adult $25, Child $15. For tickets/information, visit www.craneestate.org or call 978-921-1944, ext. 4028. Rain date: Thursday, July 5.
CELEBRATION IN LINCOLN: The Lincoln Celebrations Committee stages the town’s annual 4th of July events. The schedule (all events will take place at the Town Office Building unless otherwise noted) - 8-8:30 a.m., registration for the Firecracker Run (2.5 miles or 4 miles); 10 a.m., Children’s Bicycle Parade; 10:30 a.m., Town Parade; 9 p.m., fireworks at Lincoln Public Schools.
PICNIC IN LITTLETON: The Littleton Cultural Council, in conjunction with the Littleton Rotary, will hold the annual Town Picnic from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Fay Park beside the fire station on Foster Street. There will be ceremonies, games and a jazz concert featuring the Paul Combs and the Pocket Big Band.
PARADE IN MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA: The annual parade will step off at 9:30 a.m., and will feature floats, antique cars and bands.
FIREWORKS IN MARBLEHEAD: The Fireworks are scheduled for July 4, approximately 9 p.m. The Harbor Illumination will begin at 8:45 p.m. For information, visit www.marbleheadfireworks.org.
CELEBRATION IN MILFORD: The town’s annual celebration will be held from 5-10 p.m. at Plains Park. A concert by the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra will be followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
EVENTS IN NANTUCKET: Independence Day on Main Street, 10 a.m. Street fair festivities with a dunk tank, watermelon and pie eating contest, face painting and puppets, then a water fight along Main Street starting at high noon. Sponsored by Parks and Rec. Joe Zito and Friends Puppet Show, 10:30 a.m., United Methodist Church, 2 Centre St. From 5-6:30 p.m., kids’ games, including three-legged race, foot races, wheelbarrow races and sack races, at Children’s Beach. At 9 p.m., fireworks at Jetties Beach.
EVENTS IN NATICK: 7-noon: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Sherrill Hall, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. 9 a.m.: 52nd annual Parade starts from 9/27 Plaza and travels down Route 27 to Route 135. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.: Flea Market on the Common. For information, visit www.natick4th.org.
PARADE IN NEEDHAM: The 4th of July parade starts at 9 a.m. and features marching bands, floats, fire and police vehicles, antique cars, clowns and other entertainment. Immediately following the parade, there is food, children’s activities (egg toss, 3-legged race, etc.), a marketplace, music by the Center Streeters, the Little League All-Star game and other fun activities. Sponsored by the Needham Exchange Club.
EVENTS IN NEWTON: At Newton Centre Playground from 10 a.m.-noon, Kids’ Morning, including a grand pet parade, teddy bear parade, decorated doll carriage promenade, foot races, free candy, drinks and ice cream. At Albemarle Field off Watertown Street (Route 16), open air market and amusement rides from 10 a.m.-dusk, with handmade and international crafts, professional dealers and food vendors. At 6 p.m., bring blankets and lawn chairs for a picnic and the big band sounds of the Zaitchick Bros. Food vendors, crafters and novelties will be available. Fantastic Fireworks by Newton’s own Tony Gentile will be set off at 9 p.m. Sponsored by Mayor’s Office for Cultural Affairs, Arts in the Parks and the Newton Parks and Recreation Department.
CELEBRATION IN NORWOOD: The children’s parade steps off at 1 p.m. from the First Congregational Church on the corner of Walpole and Winter streets. There will be a concert at 3 p.m. and a carillon concert and tour of the 50-bell instrument atop Town Hall at 4:30, followed by the annual Firecracker 5K Road Race at 5 and the parade at 5:30.
CELEBRATION AT OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE: America’s freedoms are celebrated with a rousing reading of the Declaration of Independence and a day filled with music, marching, mustering, and old-fashioned fun and games. Visitors are invited to leave their “John Hancock” on a giant Declaration of Independence and enjoy a picnic on the Common. Cost: $20 adults, $18 seniors 65 and up, $6 youths ages 3-17. Under age 3 free. (Second daytime visit is free within 10 days with ticket validation.) For information, call 800-733-1830 or visit www.osv.org.
PARADE IN ORLEANS: The annual parade will step off at 10 a.m. For information, call 508-240-2484.
EVENTS IN PLYMOUTH: This year’s theme is the celebration of Mayflower II’s 50 years in America. 10 a.m. parade along Route 3A and Water Street culminates at Plymouth Rock. Band concerts all afternoon and the Plymouth Philharmonic in the early evening at Pilgrim Memorial State Park. Fireworks follow over Plymouth Harbor at 9 p.m.
PARADE AND FIREWORKS IN PROVINCETOWN: Parade on Commercial Street begins at 11:30 a.m.; fireworks at the harbor area at dusk. For further information, call 508-487-7000, ext. 536.
PROGRAMS IN QUINCY: At the Old House, 135 Adams St., at noon and 3 p.m., re-enact the passage of the Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress. You will assume the role of a delegate and participate in a debate led by John Adams. On the grounds of the Beale Estate, 181 Adams St., at 7 p.m., there will be a program on “Jefferson and Adams: A Revolutionary Dialogue,” a dramatization of the remarkable friendship between two presidents of the United States. Street parking is available for both events, which are free and open to the public.
EVENTS IN ROCKPORT: The fireman’s parade will begin at 6 p.m. The Rockport Legion Band Concert on Back Beach will take place at 8:30 p.m., followed by the bonfire at 9 p.m.
CELEBRATION, FIREWORKS IN SALEM: At the Salem Maritime National Historic Site at Derby Wharf. Music, children’s activities, and entertainment. 4 p.m., Kids’ Space with arts and crafts, games and face painting and Food Area open. 5 p.m., live music starts with Jim Kilroy’s Jambalaya Jazz Band, a seven-piece Dixieland band. 7:15 p.m., United States Air Force military flyover; the Hillyer Festival Orchestra begins a two-hour Pops concert. 9:15 p.m., fireworks display over the water.
EVENTS IN SHERBORN: The Sherborn Fire & Rescue Association’s annual 4th of July Celebration will kick off with field events for all ages at Laurel Field. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., and the events begin at 9 a.m. Come and participate in a 3-legged race, wheelbarrow race, softball throw, soccer ball kick, running races and lots more. At 2 p.m., there will be a parade. Decorate your wagon, trailer, go-cart, bicycle, baby carriages, etc. The theme of this year’s parade is “Old Fashioned Memories.” Lineup is at 1:30 p.m. Floats will line up on Lamplighter Lane, and bicycles and baby carriages will line up at the Sherborn Community Center on Sanger Street. Prizes will be awarded in various categories. There will be fire engine rides at 5 p.m. at Station 1, North Main Street. Contact Jeff Hancock at 508 653-3270 with questions.
PARADE IN SUDBURY: “Celebrate the Olde Town Spirit” with Sudbury’s annual parade. The event will begin at 1 p.m.; all roads close at 12:30 p.m. Floats, bands, decorated bicycles, color guards, Sudbury Fyfe and Drum and more will be featured. Parade units will march down Union Avenue to Station Road, to Concord Road and across Route 27 to Town Hall.
RACES IN SWAMPSCOTT: Town races, sponsored by the Recreation Department for all ages, will be held at 10 a.m. at Upper Jackson Park.
EVENTS IN WALTHAM: The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration will begin with family fun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Prospect Hill Park. There will be music, food, free children’s rides and more (children’s rides will be at Prospect Hill only). From 7-9 p.m., head to Leary Field for music, and at 9 p.m., fireworks.
PARADE IN WELLFLEET: Antique cars at 9 a.m. town parade at 10 a.m. from the harbor to the town center. For information, call 508-349-2510.